Fluorosis is a condition that results from excessive exposure to fluoride. Fluoride is a natural element found in water, soil, and rocks. It is also added to public drinking water supplies and used in some dental products in small amounts to help prevent tooth decay. However, too much fluoride can be harmful. Skeletal fluorosis is a serious health condition caused by ingesting too much fluoride over many years. People with skeletal fluorosis may have pain and tenderness in their bones and joints, as well as muscle weakness and stiffness. In severe cases, it can lead to paralysis of the spine or damage to the nervous system. There is no cure for skeletal fluorosis, but it can be prevented by avoiding excessive exposure to fluoride.
Skeletal fluorosis is caused by ingesting too much fluoride over many years. The amount of fluoride needed to cause skeletal fluorosis varies from person to person depending on factors such as age, weight, diet, kidney function, and bone health. People who live in areas with high levels of naturally occurring fluoride in the water supply (such as parts of India and Africa) or who drink large amounts of bottled water containing high levels of fluoride are at risk for developing skeletal fluorosis. Workers in certain industries (such as aluminum smelting) that are exposed to airborne fluoride particles are also at risk for developing this condition. Ingesting large amounts of lead can increase the amount of absorption of ingested fluoride into the body and also increase the risk for skeletal fluorosis .
Symptoms of early stage skeletal fluorosis include pain and tenderness in bones and joints . As the disease progresses , symptoms may include muscle weakness , stiffness , osteoporosis , joint deformities , compression fractures , nerve damage , paralysis ,and death . Skeletal fluorosis most often affects people over age 40 who have been exposed to high levels of fluoride for many years . However , children living in areas with high levels of naturally occurring fluoride in the water supply can develop this condition if they drink large amounts of contaminated water . Untreated patients typically die within 10-20 years after onsetof symptoms due largelyto respiratory failure secondaryto paralysisofthechestwallmuscles .
Thereisnocureforskeletalfluorosisbutitcanbepreventedbyavoidingexcessiveexposuretofluoride . Treatment focuses on relieving painandstiffnessandsupportingsymptomaticpatientsuntiltheydie . Painreliefmayincludetheuseofpainmedications analgesics )aswellas physical therapy exercise )tostretchandstrengthenaffectedmusclesandskeleton